Trailer Hitches And Towing; Towing And Gcwr - Damon Astoria Pacific Edition Owner's Manual

5. Check readings 1 and 3 to verify that each is less than the GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) on the certification label. If either
exceeds the GAWR for the axle(s), redistribute enough of the load
to ensure that loads on the front and rear axle(s) are within the
required limit.
Do not exceed the gross axle weight ratings of any axle.
Do not exceed the maximum hitch weight rating.
Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating of either the motorhome
or the towed vehicle. Do not exceed the gross combined weight rating of the motorhome.
Exceeding any of these ratings may cause unstable driving and handling characteristics, damage
to your motorhome chassis or towed vehicle and may void your warranty protection.
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT RATING (GCWR): is the maximum loaded weight of
this motorhome and any towed trailer or towed vehicle. See the chart located on the
Federal Certification Label located in the driver's area to determine the GCWR rate for
your vehicle.
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT (GCW): is the total weight (including driver, passengers,
all cargo, fuels, and fluids) of the motorhome and the towed vehicle combined. Compare
the GCW with the GCWR. If the GCW is greater then the GCWR, then weight must be
eliminated until scale weights are equal to or less than the proper ratings.
The distribution of weight in your motorhome is a very important factor. Too much weight
either on one side of the vehicle or too much weight in the rear compared to the front can
adversely affect the handling characteristics of the vehicle, and in some cases can result
in overloading the tires or axle components. When loading, you should evenly distribute
the weight to ensure the axle weight is equal to or less than GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) indicated on your Federal Certification Label.
This type of balance provides the best handling characteristics of the vehicle. Small
percentage differences will not make a great deal of difference. A unit that is too light on
the front axle and too heavy on the rear axle can result in steering difficulties.
By knowing what your vehicle weighs, you can determine the best location for your
belongings. Simply because you can fit everything in one compartment for easy access,
does not mean that this is the best place for an item. Your home is now moving down the
road, so the little things like location of heavy items become important from more than
an accessibility standpoint.
If you expect to pull a vehicle or trailer with your motorhome, please use these guidelines
when choosing a vehicle or trailer:
1.) Do not load over the weight indicated on the label on the hitch.
2.) Hitch Classification: Class III and IV = See the label on the hitch to find your
maximum hitch weight and towing weight.
3.) Vehicle/Trailer weight: Do not tow a vehicle/trailer weight more
than recommended by the class rating of your hitch, or more than
recommended by the chassis manufacturer, whichever is less. The
Chapter 2 - Planning and Preparation
WEIGHT
DISTRIBUTION
TRAILER HITCHES
AND TOWING
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